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Press Releases

Last Updated: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Expressions of Help for Others

Annual art event benefits the Sinnissippi Foundation
March 30, 2010

(Dixon, IL) What may seem like a simple act of generosity to those that give may actually make a very big difference in someone’s life.  That is the power that both art and giving can have on individuals.

The Sinnissippi Foundation and Sauk Valley Bank will host the 6th annual Expressions Art Sale and Reception, Friday, April 23, 2010, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Next Picture Show in Dixon (113 West First Street).

"We are fortunate to have a wealth of talented artists in our communities who have been generous enough to donate pieces to Expressions," states Andy Jackson, Sinnissippi Centers’ marketing coordinator. "Once again Expressions will feature a significant selection of art work from local and regional artists, with the sale of that art work benefiting the Sinnissippi Foundation."

"We are also very pleased to see the return of Sauk Valley Bank as co-sponsor of the fundraiser," explains Jackson. "They are an important partner in making this event a success.”

Proceeds from Expressions will help the Foundation continue its mission of supporting the mental wellness of individuals and families.

In addition to the sale of quality art work, silent auction items will be available for purchase.  The silent auction will conclude the evening of April 23rd.  Some of the items featured in the silent auction include:  A football autographed by the 2009 Green Bay Packers, an autographed Chicago Bulls pennant signed by Derrick Rose, and autographed photos of Chicago Cubs pitcher John Grabow and Chicago White Sox AJ Pierzynski.

Art and silent auction items will go on display Tuesday April 13, 2010 at the Next Picture Show.

To date, artists whose work will be featured in the Expressions Art Sale include: Ellen Allen, Salem Barker, Kathy Blunk, Thomas Broadfoot, Graydon Cafarella, Jan Deswick, Judy Dixon, Jane Cress Edgar, Beverly Garcia, Larry Gaskill, Hope Greene, Carolyn Handy, Treva Haney, Raphael Iaccarino, Charles Kerr, Stephen Lang, Pat Lathe, Bob Logsdon, Todd Lorenc, Phil Mattox, Joy Meyer, Doris Milne, Debb Munson, Rick Munson, Harry Nurmet, Ann Marie Potts, Betty Predmore, Jim Riesberg, Dan Royer, Tamara Shriver, Fran Swarbrick, and Debbie Thompson.

For more information on Expressions call Andy Jackson at 815-284-9380.

Shedding Light On A Growing Danger To Youth

A new awareness campaign targets prescription drug abuse
March 5, 2010

(Dixon, IL) As she describes the story of her son, Tamara Wolf re-lives every parent's worst nightmare of losing a son or daughter at an early age. What makes it even more difficult to bear is that Alex's death could have been prevented.

"On August 7th last year," as Tamara starts out, "we lost our son, Alex Martin Wolf to an accidental intoxication of Oxycodone. Alex had been prescribed a medication for anxiety and the interaction with the Oxycodone given to him by an acquaintance turned out to be deadly.”

"Alex was funny, smart, sensitive, and caring. But he also suffered from anxiety. Until you love someone who struggles with worries, fears and disruptive thoughts, you cannot begin to understand their daily struggle. He simply wanted to feel better. Alex always tried to do the right thing and be the best person he could be."

Alex's family is now trying to do the right thing. They realize it's too late for Alex, but the family hopes a new public awareness campaign on prescription abuse can make a difference in the lives of others. The campaign is entitled “Prescription Drug Abuse: A Prescription for Disaster.”

"In the moments we miss Alex the most, we know that this awareness campaign is the best thing we can do in his memory."

"We feel very deeply that there are two very important reasons to be straightforward and public about our son’s death. First, we want to dispel the stigma attached to mental illness and secondly, we want to destroy the belief system among teens and young adults, that abusing prescription drugs is safe, trendy, and legal."

According to Tamara, there is a great need for education and awareness about prescription abuse.

"There is a misperception that medications prescriptions by a physician are safer to abuse than illicit drugs. That's just not true. Medications prescribed by a physician need to be used as directed, not shared with others. Mixing those drugs with alcohol or illicit drugs can result in potentially deadly consequences."

According to national figures, as many as 1 in 4 teens knows a friend who abuses a prescription medication to get high, while every day 3,000 teens abuse a prescription medication for the first time with the intent of getting high.

Tamara and her family hope that by hearing Alex's story, parents will begin a conversation with their teens about drugs.

"We want to spare families the pain of losing a loved one this way. Parents must come to understand the easy accessibility of prescription pain relievers and the deadly consequences of their abuse.”

“Most parents say that 'will never happen to my kid.' The truth is not all parents are even aware that their kids may be taking prescription meds from the medicine cabinet."

Parents are urged to safeguard all prescription medications in their homes, set clear rules and talk with their teens about appropriate use of medications. Parents should also be good role models and properly conceal or dispose of old or unused medicines.

“It's too late to save Alex, but not too late for your son or daughter, or friend. If you’re abusing a prescription medication, get treatment.”

Sinnissippi Centers and the Sinnissippi Foundation are assisting the Wolf family with the “Prescription for Disaster” public awareness campaign, which includes radio, print and billboard messages.

Sinnissippi Centers is a behavioral healthcare agency serving Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties. For more information about programs and services, call Sinnissippi toll-free at 1-800-242-7642. Sinnissippi has office locations in Dixon, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Rochelle and Sterling.

The Sinnissippi Foundation’s 17th Annual Golf Open another success

Thanks to event sponsors, golfers, and great weather.
August 17, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Perfect golfing weather was a welcome addition to the enjoyable atmosphere at the 17th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open, held Thursday August 13th at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon, Illinois.

 “The Golf Open was made possible through the generosity of so many businesses, organizations and individuals,” according to Sinnissippi Centers’ marketing manager Greg Gates.

134 golfers and over 100 sponsors who participated in the best-ball scramble which began at 12:30 p.m. and was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony,” adds Gates. 

In past years it has been traditional to name a Sponsor of the Year at the golf open.  However this year, two local businesses were presented with the honor; Sauk Valley Bank and Grot Imaging Studios each received a Sponsor of the Year Award for their support of the Foundation.

Proceeds from the annual Golf Open benefit clients and programs of Sinnissippi Centers as well as other worthwhile community projects.

Examples of some of the work The Foundation does include; the Nurses Education Assistance Fund and the CARES Fund, which assists Sinnissippi Clients with needed expenses.

Established in 1979, the Sinnissippi Foundation seeks to increase the ability of Sinnissippi Centers to provide quality, coordinated and responsive behavioral healthcare services to children, adults, families, and communities now and in the future. 

The 18th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open will be held August 12, 2010 at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon.

For more information about The Sinnissippi Foundation or the Golf Open, contact Sinnissippi Centers marketing manager Greg Gates at 815-284-9380.

The Sinnissippi Foundation’s 17th Annual Golf Open another success

Thanks to event sponsors, golfers, and great weather.
August 17, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Perfect golfing weather was a welcome addition to the enjoyable atmosphere at the 17th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open, held Thursday August 13th at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon, Illinois.

“The Golf Open was made possible through the generosity of so many businesses, organizations and individuals,” according to Sinnissippi Centers’ marketing manager Greg Gates.

134 golfers and over 100 sponsors who participated in the best-ball scramble which began at 12:30 p.m. and was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony,” adds Gates.

In past years it has been traditional to name a Sponsor of the Year at the golf open. However this year, two local businesses were presented with the honor; Sauk Valley Bank and Grot Imaging Studios each received a Sponsor of the Year Award for their support of the Foundation.

Proceeds from the annual Golf Open benefit clients and programs of Sinnissippi Centers as well as other worthwhile community projects.

Examples of some of the work The Foundation does include; the Nurses Education Assistance Fund and the CARES Fund, which assists Sinnissippi Clients with needed expenses.

Established in 1979, the Sinnissippi Foundation seeks to increase the ability of Sinnissippi Centers to provide quality, coordinated and responsive behavioral healthcare services to children, adults, families, and communities now and in the future.

The 18th Annual Sinnissippi Foundation Golf Open will be held August 12, 2010 at Timber Creek Golf in Dixon.

For more information about The Sinnissippi Foundation or the Golf Open, contact Sinnissippi Centers marketing manager Greg Gates at 815-284-9380.

Saving human service programming for Illinois’ neediest

Lack of adequate funding for behavioral health services threatens to keep care from those in need
June 16, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Imagine you were facing a 50-percent cut in your family income and you had to decide what you could and couldn’t provide for your children. What would that be like?

Now imagine the plight hundreds of agencies are facing in trying to continue providing services to thousands of their clients while being told their state funding will be cut in half starting July 1st. What would that look like?

The future of human service programs in Illinois are again in jeopardy, with many scheduled for deep slashes, as the state tries to cope with a projected $11.6 billion dollar deficit.

Earlier this spring, the Illinois General Assembly adopted a budget agreement that will provide only 50% of funding for human service programs. During the last week, agency heads from the Illinois Departments of Mental Health, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Children and Family Services, and Developmentally Disabled informed provider agencies of deep cuts in funding or elimination of funding altogether. In total, the state agencies of the Department of Human Services need to slash $2.20 billion from programs.

Locally, Sinnissippi Centers is facing a slash of $2.0 million dollars, or nearly 25% of the agency’s funding for the next fiscal year.

“This will have a devastating effect on the men, women and children that we serve,” explains Jim Sarver, president and CEO for Sinnissippi Centers. “These are truly the state’s neediest individuals. They simply cannot afford to pay full fee for these services. They need assistance from the state to receive these services. If the state budget is implemented as is, this vital assistance will not be available to help these individuals.”

During fiscal year 2008, Sinnissippi Centers served 7,294 individuals. Sinnissippi expects to serve a similar number of people during the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2009.

“A reduction in funding from the state of Illinois will greatly reduce those that we and other human service providers serve here in Illinois,” states Sarver. “Who we serve and how services are provided will greatly change.” 

Those adults and adolescents who receive help from Sinnissippi Centers for a substance use disorder will go without treatment services.

“Without state funding, many individuals with a substance use disorder will not be served,” adds Natalie Andrews, director of addiction services for Sinnissippi Centers. “This includes the adolescent who is returning from inpatient treatment and needs follow up in the community they live in to help stay sober and clean.”

Individuals with a mental illness will also feel the affect of funding cuts, if they’re implemented.

“Whether it’s an adult or child client, mental health treatment services provide a valuable outreach to these individuals and their families,” explains Clyde Lipp, director of family services for Sinnissippi Centers. “The impact of these budget cuts on the youngest of our participants will be devastating for our communities. Early childhood is of critical importance for supporting families and ensuring social and emotional health and wellness. The research clearly documents the positive outcomes of early childhood programming for reducing the rates of child abuse and neglect and promoting healthy brain development.”

“During the first three years of life, the brain builds the foundation for healthy relationships, the capacity to manage stress, and the ability to express emotions in healthy ways. Young children who do not receive needed early intervention and mental health services have significantly higher rates of learning difficulties,
developmental delays, peer conflicts, and poor emotional control. They are also at higher risk for later delinquency, substance abuse, and mental illness.”

“Early intervention and treatment programs have been proven to reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect and promote healthy outcomes for children and families. Young children who do not receive necessary services now will have more problems in the future while causing unnecessary suffering and adding additional costs for the family and the community to deal with these problems later.”

One of the other line items that is being threatened with funding elimination is assistance to help pay for services provided by psychiatrists.

“Even if we are able to provide counseling, we won’t be able to have anyone prescribe medications so they will essentially go untreated,” adds Kim James, director of area offices for Sinnissippi Centers. “This mean the individual with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder or Depression will continue to experience disturbing hallucinations, severe mood swings, be unable to work, unable to get help and may ultimately commit suicide or engage in illegal activities thus filling our jails with individuals who are ill, not criminals.”

Clients of Sinnissippi Centers aren’t the only ones who will be affected. Staff will also be impacted.

“We are now seriously looking at staffing needs for our individual programs,” states Sarver. “We have already notified one staff that he will be laid off. Will there be additional layoffs? I don’t think we have that answer yet.”

“What we know is that the Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state to adequately fund care. Since 2002, behavioral health agencies in Illinois have experienced a 23% rise in expenses, while overall state human service funding has increased by only 3-7%,” adds Sarver.

It’s estimated that 100,000 human service professionals will lose their jobs if the so-called “partial” budget is implemented as planned.

If you would like to add your voice in support of adequate mental health and substance abuse treatment funding, contact the Governor’s office, Senate and House Leadership and your local legislators.

Governor Pat Quinn
207 Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0244
Email: http://illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm

Representative Michael Madigan
Speaker of the House
300 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5350
Email: mmadigan@hds.ilga.gov

Representative Tom Cross
House Republican Leader
84th House District
24047 West Lockport Street, Suite 213
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 254-0000
Email: tom@tomcross.com

Senator Christine Radogno
Senate Minority Leader
41st Senate District
410 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 243-0800
Email: cradogno@sbcglobal.net

Senator John Cullerton
President of the Senate
327 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-2728
Email: john@johncullerton.com

Community care system in a “slow motion bankruptcy”

Lack of adequate funding for behavioral health services threatens to keep care from those in need
May 13, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Without tapping cash from a dormant state health fund and without money from some form of tax increase to stage a financial rescue, more than 3,000 adults and children in northern Illinois will not receive the mental health and substance abuse treatment they need, according to a new survey of behavioral health care providers.

The Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA) survey of the state’s top 80 mental health and drug treatment providers revealed that agencies – without an increase in state funding – will serve 16,000 fewer adults and children statewide, including 3,000 in northern Illinois.

“The Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state to adequately fund care,” states Jim Sarver of Sinnissippi Centers.

“It is estimated that our agency will serve 878 fewer clients between now and July 2010 because of the current level of state funding. Of those 878 individuals, 585 are adults and 293 are children who will go without the necessary services; that is a steep human toll.”

“Sinnissippi is going to do what we have done during past difficult times; we will work together to engage client, staff, administration and our board to develop ways to address the ever changing fiscal environment we operate in,” adds Sarver.

Sinnissippi Centers is not alone in feeling the effects of this funding shortfall. The impact of the cuts will mean elimination or severe reductions in services to an estimated 3,000 adults and children through the five mental health centers in the Northern Illinois which include; Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb; Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center in Freeport; North Central Behavioral Health Systems in the seven counties around La Salle Peru; Sinnissippi Centers, which serves Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties; and Stepping Stones in Rockford.

“The Rockford community should know that we are taking every step to protect the services to individuals seeking mental health care, but the proposed cuts would result in the loss of services for adults and youth that we serve,” says Frank Ware, CEO of Janet Wattles Center. “We at Janet Wattles will work to insure that those requiring the most intensive care can still receive it and that emergency services are able to respond to those in psychiatric crisis.”

“I have people seeking service who can not get a first appointment until August,” states Dan Neal, CEO of Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center. “How many of these people will be able to hang on that long without care? How can anyone accept that this is a humane and reasonable system of care?”

The Solution
“The State has about $49 million in a special mental health trust fund that continues to be a target for being swept into the general fund and used elsewhere in the state budget,” according to Sarver. “In addition, CBHA has recommended that the legislators consider a small increase in the tax on alcohol which would provide in the area of $254 million for mental health, substance abuse, and the state’s general revenue fund.”

Other funds could come from the federal government’s stimulus payment to Illinois, which would likely be made, at least in part, with an increase in the Medicaid rate for Illinois of 6.2 %. That would also place millions of dollars in the funding picture. At this time however, it is apparently planned that the state will allocate those stimulus dollars for other purposes. This may be capped with the tentative plan to cut up to 15% of the non Medicaid money from providers’ contracts for 2010.

“Even aside from the current national and state crisis, recent history tells the story of the growing gap in funding versus the need for behavioral healthcare.”

“If you look at the history of funding behavioral healthcare services in Illinois, there is a significant disparity. Since 2002, behavioral health agencies in Illinois have experienced a 23% rise in expenses, while overall state human service funding has increased by 3-7%,” adds Sarver.

“The loss of care is an ongoing tragedy that can still be avoided if Governor Pat Quinn and lawmakers decide to use the dedicated but dormant special funds for their intended purposes and allow providers to keep the Medicaid increases they have already earned instead of using them in the general fund, or, by passing some form of a tax increase.”

If you would like to add your voice in support of adequate mental health and substance abuse treatment funding, contact the Governor’s office and your local legislators.

Revealing the Artist Within

8th Annual Art & Photography Exhibit May 15 & 16, 2009
May 10, 2009

(Sterling, IL) A picture is worth a thousand words. Whether it is a photograph, a painting or another work of art; when you look closely, that art reveals much about the soul, the spirit and the voice of the artist who created it.

“Revealing the Artist Within” is the theme for the 8th Annual Art & Photography Exhibit, which will be held Friday May 15, 2009 10:00 am - 9:00 pm and Saturday May 16, 2009 10:00 am - 5:00 pm at the Northland Mall in Sterling.

“The Art & Photography Exhibit is held in the month of May, which is Mental Health Month, primarily for two reasons,” says Andy Jackson, marketing specialist:  “To continue to increase awareness about mental health issues while decreasing the stigma that still exists around mental illness, and to celebrate the talents of the artists within the ‘Sinnissippi community’. Viewing the many and varied individual works of art and photography can demonstrates the therapeutic benefits of, and the important connection between, creative expression and good mental wellness.”

95 artists have submitted over 250 pieces for the event including paintings, photographs, poetry, sculpture, and other art items.

The Art & Photography Exhibit will also include live art demonstrations from local artists Debb and Rick Munson and Linda Von Holten as well as light refreshments and a drawing of prizes for those who attend the exhibit and register for the drawing. There is no cost for admission. Exhibit Hours are:

Friday May 16, 2008 > 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday May 17, 2008 > 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

On Friday at the exhibit, The Better Living Focus Group will hold a bake sale and white elephant sale fundraiser from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The consumer support group sponsors and promotes overall well-being and seeks to facilitate mental health awareness. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the group’s regular planned activities.

Also at the exhibit, tenants of Sinnissippi Centers’ Sterling Apartments, a supervised living facility, will conduct their own fundraiser selling “Smart Snacks” on Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and Saturday 10:00am - 1:00 pm. This fundraiser will benefit their regular planned activities.

“In addition to having the exhibit at Sterling’s Northland Mall, The Next Picture Show (113 West First Street) has graciously agreed to offer space in the gallery,” adds Jackson. “We are able to display around three dozen of the items that are being shown at the overall exhibit. The pieces have been on display at the gallery since May 1st and will remain on display at The Next Picture Show (other than when they will join the larger exhibit at the mall May 15 & 16) through June 6, 2009. Among those pieces are three life sized sculptures of members of a blues band which were all fashioned from found items.

“Because of the size and weight of the sculptures, they will be staying at The Next Picture Show and will not be shown at the larger exhibit at the Northland Mall on the 15th and 16th. However, anyone can come to the Next Picture Show now through June 6th to view them.”

The Art & Photography Exhibit is sponsored by Sinnissippi Centers and the Sinnissippi Foundation. For information call Andy Jackson at 815-284-6611.

Nearly 900 Sinnissippi Clients Could Lose Their Mental Health Services by 2010

Advocates Seek Funding from Idle Health fund, Quinn Tax Hike
May 6, 2009

(Dixon, IL) Without tapping cash from a dormant state health fund and money from some form of tax increase to stage a financial rescue, more than 3,000 adults and children in the northern Illinois area stand to lose mental health services by July 2010 according to a new survey of community behavioral health care providers in Illinois.

The new survey of the State’s top 80 mental health and drug treatment providers by the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA) revealed that agencies – without any increased state funding – will eliminate care for a total of 16,000 adults and children statewide between July 2008 and July 2010, including 3,000 in northern Illinois.

“The Illinois mental health care and drug treatment system is in a slow motion bankruptcy because of the failure of the state to adequately fund care,” states Jim Sarver of Sinnissippi Centers. “Our agency will serve close to 878 fewer clients between now and July 2010; 585 adults and 293 children will go without the necessary services and that is a steep human toll.”

“Sinnissippi is going to do what we have done during past difficult times; we will work together to engage client, staff. Administration and our board to develop ways to address the ever changing fiscal environment we operate in,” adds Sarver.

Sinnissippi Centers is not alone in feeling the effects of this funding shortfall. The impact of the cuts will mean elimination or severe reductions in services to about an estimated 3,000 adults and children through the five mental health centers in the Northern Illinois area which include; Ben Gordon Center in Dekalb, Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center in Freeport, North Central Behavioral Health Systems in the seven counties around La Salle Peru, Sinnissippi Centers, which serves Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties, and Stepping Stones in Rockford.

“The Rockford community should know that we are taking every step to protect the services to individuals seeking mental health care, but the proposed cuts would result in the loss of services for adults and youth that we serve,” Frank Ware, CEO of Janet Wattles Center says. “We at Janet Wattles will work to insure that those requiring the most intensive care can still receive it and that emergency services are able to respond to those in psychiatric crisis.”

“I have people seeking service who can not get a first appointment until August. How many of these people will be able to hang on that long without care?” according to Dan Neal, CEO of Freeport Health Network’s Family Counseling Center. “How can anyone accept that this is a humane and reasonable system of care?”

The Solution
“The State has about $49 million in a special mental health trust fund that continues to be a target for being swept into the general fund and used elsewhere in the State budget,” according to Stephen Langley of Stepping Stones, a non-profit agency that provides housing and rehabilitation services to adults with serious mental illnesses in the Rockford area.

“In addition, CBHA has recommended that the legislators consider a small increase in the tax on alcohol which would provide in the area of $90 million for mental health, substance abuse, and veteran’s care,” adds Langley.

Langley also points out that the federal government stimulus to Illinois would likely be made, at least in part, with an increase in the Medicaid rate for Illinois of 6.2 % which would also place millions of dollars in the funding picture. At this time however, it is apparently planned that the state will take that money for other purposes. This may be capped with the tentative plan to cut up to 15% of the non Medicaid money from providers’ contracts for 2010. This would cost Stepping Stones, along with this year’s cuts, close to a $230,000 reduction in next year’s budget.

“When one looks at the historical picture in State funding for behavioral healthcare services since 2002 there is a disparity of 3-7% funding increases against a rise in expenses of 23%,” adds Langley. “Even aside from the current national and State crisis, the history tells the story of the ‘slow motion bankruptcy’ in behavioral healthcare.”

“The loss of care is an ongoing tragedy that can still be avoided if the Governor and legislators decide to use the dedicated but dormant special funds for their intended purposes and allow providers to keep the Medicaid increases they have already earned instead of using them in the general fund, or, passes some form of tax increase,” says Frank Anselmo of CBHA.